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In this sewing roundup episode, we're sharing what's on our sewing tables, answering a listener question about what to do with garments that don't quite work out, and diving deep into our fabric of the month: denim. Plus, we'll fill you in on what's new at Seamwork, including two beautiful new patterns perfect for spring.
Sewing Roundup: Spring Projects, Denim Tips, and What We're Making
Roundup episodes are some of our favorites because we get to pull back the curtain on our own sewing lives. Today we're talking about current projects, spring sewing plans, and sharing some recommendations we think you'll love.
Listener Question: What Do You Do with Garments You Don't Love?
Kerry asked us a question that so many sewists can relate to: what do you do with the garments you make that you don't really like? We all have one or two fails, but it can be hard to get rid of them right away.
This is such a common experience, and there's no single right answer. Some options include setting them aside for a while to see if your feelings change, repurposing the fabric into something else, donating them, or simply letting them go. The key is not to let those less-than-perfect makes weigh on you or take up mental space in your sewing room.
Do you have a question for us? Leave it in a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and we'll answer it in a future episode!
What We're Sewing Now
We shared what's currently on our sewing tables and what we're excited to sew next. Spring always brings fresh energy to our sewing plans, and we talked about what patterns we'd reach for if we were making pants for spring right now.
Something New We're Trying
We also shared something new we're each trying in our sewing practice lately, plus a few little recommendations—whether it's a book, podcast, video, product, or article—that we think you might find helpful too.
Fabric of the Month: Denim
Denim feels perfect for spring because it's so versatile and works in a lot of different weather conditions. Whether you're making a classic jacket, a pair of jeans, or a lightweight chambray top, denim is a fabric that rewards careful selection and proper technique.
Tips for choosing denim: Consider the weight and stretch content for your project. Lighter weights like chambray work beautifully for shirts and dresses, while heavier weights are ideal for structured jackets and jeans. Pay attention to the percentage of stretch—even a small amount can make a big difference in fit and comfort.
Tips for sewing with denim: Use the right needle (a denim or jeans needle in size 90/14 or 100/16), adjust your stitch length slightly longer than usual, and don't skip pressing. Topstitching thread can give your project that classic jeans look, and a hump jumper or folded fabric scrap can help your machine handle thick seams.
What's New at Seamwork
We have two gorgeous new patterns to share with you this month, both perfect for spring and summer sewing.
Freesia is a pull-on bias dress with a keyhole neckline. The bodice and tie are cut on the straight of grain, while the skirt is cut on the bias for beautiful drape. It features gathers to shape the bust, a shaped underbust seam, a center front keyhole with a delicate tie closure, and a lined bodice. Freesia works beautifully in light to medium weight woven fabrics like lawn, seersucker, batiste, linen blends, challis, crepe, satin, charmeuse, and crepe de chine.
Orchid is a boxy, tie-front bed jacket with lace trim. It has a relaxed, boxy fit through the body with wide sleeves, a tie closure at center front, and a bust dart for shaping. The neckline and sleeves are finished with lace trim (1-2 inches wide), and it has a simple double-fold hem. Orchid is lovely in light to medium weight wovens such as cotton lawn, linen, cotton gauze, voile, swiss dot, eyelet, challis, crepe, georgette, or chiffon.
Our last skills workshop was all about Bound Buttonholes! You can now get the recording and learn to create beautiful bound buttonholes with Erica.
And coming up soon: Design Your Wardrobe starts soon! This is our signature program that helps you move past overwhelm and create a clear vision for what you want to make.
Get Your Free Wardrobe Design Toolkit
If you're thinking about your upcoming projects for the season and how you can sew more of the projects you'll really wear, download our free wardrobe design toolkit! With this free toolkit, you'll be able to plan a wardrobe that fits your own style and life. If you've struggled pinpointing your personal style and translating it into the clothing you sew, this toolkit will help you clarify your thoughts and start designing with intention.
What are you sewing for spring? We'd love to hear about your current projects—share in the comments!
